Comments on: I’ve gotten to the point where I cannot care for my car anymore. What maintenance should I do until I have $? http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/ Automotive Resource and Car Care Sat, 16 Oct 2010 15:54:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: jobel http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/comment-page-1/#comment-5035 jobel Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:34:03 +0000 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maitenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/#comment-5035 Technically speaking, you can postpone flushing the transmission and changing filters for awhile without your car falling apart as a direct result. However, if your car is still under warranty, Ford could cause you problems if you try to make a warranty claim and you can't show proof that you've followed the scheduled maintainance plan. Unless I'm mistaken, Ford 's standard warranty is the crappy 3 yr/36K mile standard warranty for bumper to bumper and 5 yr/50K mile powertrain, so unless you purchased an extended warranty you're no longer covered under these categories. If you decide to wait on the flush and filter changes, you're probably okay. However, if you're under warranty then you should have the work done. My advice would be to take it to an independant automotive shop, not a dealer. Independant shops usually charge considerably less for repairs and maintainance, and as long as you can show proof that the work was done, the warranty is still good. Aside from that, next time you purchase a car, go for a manufacturer that offers a better warranty ;-) Good luck. Technically speaking, you can postpone flushing the transmission and changing filters for awhile without your car falling apart as a direct result. However, if your car is still under warranty, Ford could cause you problems if you try to make a warranty claim and you can’t show proof that you’ve followed the scheduled maintainance plan. Unless I’m mistaken, Ford ‘s standard warranty is the crappy 3 yr/36K mile standard warranty for bumper to bumper and 5 yr/50K mile powertrain, so unless you purchased an extended warranty you’re no longer covered under these categories.

If you decide to wait on the flush and filter changes, you’re probably okay. However, if you’re under warranty then you should have the work done. My advice would be to take it to an independant automotive shop, not a dealer. Independant shops usually charge considerably less for repairs and maintainance, and as long as you can show proof that the work was done, the warranty is still good.

Aside from that, next time you purchase a car, go for a manufacturer that offers a better warranty ;-)

Good luck.

]]> By: iuud2noitall http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/comment-page-1/#comment-5034 iuud2noitall Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:38:41 +0000 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maitenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/#comment-5034 I don't know what dealer or mechanic you visit but $600. is ridiculous and most everything you need to keep your car in shape you can do yourself. Change your own oil and oil filter, change your own gas filter and air filter, rotate your own tires (and always from front to rear and on the same side) and you can even change and calibrate your own spark plugs. There are plenty of self help how to books in your local library so you don't even have to spend money on learning how. If you need tools I'll bet you know someone that has them. Offer to buy them a beer or two while they watch you get all greasy or something. You can do the work right outside their place. For $600.00 I'll be glad to do the work. Live anywhere near San Francisco, CA? Heck, for $200.00 and you buy the parts I'd do the work. I don’t know what dealer or mechanic you visit but $600. is ridiculous and most everything you need to keep your car in shape you can do yourself. Change your own oil and oil filter, change your own gas filter and air filter, rotate your own tires (and always from front to rear and on the same side) and you can even change and calibrate your own spark plugs. There are plenty of self help how to books in your local library so you don’t even have to spend money on learning how. If you need tools I’ll bet you know someone that has them. Offer to buy them a beer or two while they watch you get all greasy or something. You can do the work right outside their place. For $600.00 I’ll be glad to do the work. Live anywhere near San Francisco, CA? Heck, for $200.00 and you buy the parts I’d do the work.

]]> By: chewy http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/comment-page-1/#comment-5033 chewy Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:28:28 +0000 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maitenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/#comment-5033 Tranny flush and filter can probably wait. Next time you change the oil (Start doing yourself and save a little $$) check the air filter. That can decrease gas mileage if it is too dirty, which will end up costing you more. That would be the only thing that would be super pressing until you have the cash todo more. Tranny flush and filter can probably wait.

Next time you change the oil (Start doing yourself and save a little $$) check the air filter. That can decrease gas mileage if it is too dirty, which will end up costing you more. That would be the only thing that would be super pressing until you have the cash todo more.

]]> By: fordman022480 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/comment-page-1/#comment-5032 fordman022480 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:56:18 +0000 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maitenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/#comment-5032 forget the hand book your car is good for ONLY basic tuneups for at least another 40k mi. i mean a tranny flush nah this aint' THAT nesssasary but try your local lube they are as qualified and insured as dealerships and at least 60% less expensive maybe air cleaner needs changing but until you pass100k leave everything else alone and drive it like you stole it forget the hand book your car is good for ONLY basic tuneups for at least another 40k mi. i mean a tranny flush nah this aint’ THAT nesssasary but try your local lube they are as qualified and insured as dealerships and at least 60% less expensive maybe air cleaner needs changing but until you pass100k leave everything else alone and drive it like you stole it

]]> By: Poor Golfer http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/comment-page-1/#comment-5031 Poor Golfer Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:51 +0000 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maitenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/#comment-5031 Change the oil preferably every 5000 miles( I really prefer 3000 but this will do) definitely not less than every 7500 miles. Rotate the tires only when there the front tires are either wearing a little "funny" or every 10,000 -15,000 miles depending on the quality of tire. Better quality will wear slower and needs rotated less. You only need to rotate when the rear tires have more traed than the front if all tires are wearing evenly. The front tires wear more than the rear. Replace the air filter when dirty(maybe now)(cheap) and every 30,000 miles. The most important fluid to ensure stays in relatively good shape is the coolant. Trans, brake and p/s can most likely last to 100,000 or more. Flushing fluids is the new way to make a buck in a repair shop, trust me I flush plenty. MOST inportantly, keep the safety items up, tires, brakes, steering and suspension, exhaust, wiper blades, and lights. That is a BASIC (gotta keep it running list), which not suprisingly most people won't even do that which I why I make a reasonable living. And lastly you don't need the dealer, use them only if they are the cheapest. Don't use quic-lubes though because they'll tell you you need EVERYTHING!.. Find a reputable convenient indepedent shop and let them know your situation up front and they will help you out more than any large or corporate business. Change the oil preferably every 5000 miles( I really prefer 3000 but this will do) definitely not less than every 7500 miles.

Rotate the tires only when there the front tires are either wearing a little “funny” or every 10,000 -15,000 miles depending on the quality of tire. Better quality will wear slower and needs rotated less. You only need to rotate when the rear tires have more traed than the front if all tires are wearing evenly. The front tires wear more than the rear.

Replace the air filter when dirty(maybe now)(cheap) and every 30,000 miles.

The most important fluid to ensure stays in relatively good shape is the coolant. Trans, brake and p/s can most likely last to 100,000 or more. Flushing fluids is the new way to make a buck in a repair shop, trust me I flush plenty.

MOST inportantly, keep the safety items up, tires, brakes, steering and suspension, exhaust, wiper blades, and lights.

That is a BASIC (gotta keep it running list), which not suprisingly most people won’t even do that which I why I make a reasonable living.

And lastly you don’t need the dealer, use them only if they are the cheapest. Don’t use quic-lubes though because they’ll tell you you need EVERYTHING!..

Find a reputable convenient indepedent shop and let them know your situation up front and they will help you out more than any large or corporate business.

]]> By: Ron B http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/comment-page-1/#comment-5030 Ron B Mon, 23 Mar 2009 01:48:35 +0000 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maitenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/#comment-5030 Dont worry about the trans fluid change. The transmission will be just fine without it. Just keep a check on it and as long as it stays red, it's ok. You can do the oil changes and tire rotations yourself even if you have no mechanical abilities. Check out for instructions to see if you think you can do it. rkb Dont worry about the trans fluid change. The transmission will be just fine without it. Just keep a check on it and as long as it stays red, it’s ok. You can do the oil changes and tire rotations yourself even if you have no mechanical abilities.
Check out
for instructions to see if you think you can do it.
rkb

]]> By: fire_inur_eyes http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/comment-page-1/#comment-5029 fire_inur_eyes Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:13:00 +0000 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maitenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/#comment-5029 Jackie---save up and get stuff done when you can afford it. A trans flush is for a car heavily used--and abused--so drive nice for a while and save for the other things that really need doing--first off--a fuel filter--and a new air cleaner--that a shop can do rather cheaply. Really will last for a long time--the oil, filter and lube--3 or 4 thousand miles--unless you drive in the desert and like a lunatic--save for that timing chain that is susceptible to all focus owners--save a few bucks here and there. It will be maybe 250 dollars--in 20 thousand miles if you drive nice. Try to not buy CDs and stuff that eat up your money--get in the habit of saving for lifes important stuff. Most people can join a credit union at work--they can have money taken out without missing it--25 here and there adds up. The transmission shops in your area may be cheaper than the dealer who is always higher. Don't be afraid to walk in and discuss the issues intelligently---be an informed consumer. Get second opinions, too Jackie—save up and get stuff done when you can afford it. A trans flush is for a car heavily used–and abused–so drive nice for a while and save for the other things that really need doing–first off–a fuel filter–and a new air cleaner–that a shop can do rather cheaply. Really will last for a long time–the oil, filter and lube–3 or 4 thousand miles–unless you drive in the desert and like a lunatic–save for that timing chain that is susceptible to all focus owners–save a few bucks here and there. It will be maybe 250 dollars–in 20 thousand miles if you drive nice. Try to not buy CDs and stuff that eat up your money–get in the habit of saving for lifes important stuff. Most people can join a credit union at work–they can have money taken out without missing it–25 here and there adds up. The transmission shops in your area may be cheaper than the dealer who is always higher. Don’t be afraid to walk in and discuss the issues intelligently—be an informed consumer. Get second opinions, too

]]> By: towbusiness http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/comment-page-1/#comment-5028 towbusiness Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:18:34 +0000 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maitenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/#comment-5028 Simple solution... Become "friends" with a mechanic. Simple solution… Become “friends” with a mechanic.

]]> By: Jay Mak http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/comment-page-1/#comment-5027 Jay Mak Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:11:29 +0000 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maitenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/#comment-5027 Just keep you oil changed (including oil filter, wihich is included in most oil cahnges >$20). Depending on where you drive and live, you can get away with every 5,000 miles between oil changes. Check your tires and see how they are worn. Are they more more worn on one side then the other? If not, then fuck it. But a tire rotation is cheap, and if you can find another jack, you can have some dudes switch you fronts to back, which will help. Fuck the tranny flush, if your car runs well, everything is fine. If your fuel economy starts to get worse, think about changing your fuel filter. If not, then fuck it. Just stay away from dealers, you'll pay out the ass. See if you can find a "reliable"mechanic referrede from a friend (reliable mechanic sounds liek an honest lawyer) Just keep you oil changed (including oil filter, wihich is included in most oil cahnges >$20). Depending on where you drive and live, you can get away with every 5,000 miles between oil changes. Check your tires and see how they are worn. Are they more more worn on one side then the other? If not, then fuck it. But a tire rotation is cheap, and if you can find another jack, you can have some dudes switch you fronts to back, which will help.

Fuck the tranny flush, if your car runs well, everything is fine. If your fuel economy starts to get worse, think about changing your fuel filter. If not, then fuck it.

Just stay away from dealers, you’ll pay out the ass. See if you can find a “reliable”mechanic referrede from a friend (reliable mechanic sounds liek an honest lawyer)

]]> By: threetonsofinsanity http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maintenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/comment-page-1/#comment-5026 threetonsofinsanity Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:41:48 +0000 http://www.mainspot.net/ive-gotten-to-the-point-where-i-cannot-care-for-my-car-anymore-what-maitenance-should-i-do-until-i-have/#comment-5026 the tranny flush can wait a bit, but, will it void any extended warranty you may have. truth is, most people never flush their transmission fluid. if your fluid is clean and you are not an agressive driver, you should be fine for quite a while. also, don't take it to a dealership for service, they are way too expensive, and a smaller shop with a good reputation will give you way better customer service. the tranny flush can wait a bit, but, will it void any extended warranty you may have. truth is, most people never flush their transmission fluid. if your fluid is clean and you are not an agressive driver, you should be fine for quite a while. also, don’t take it to a dealership for service, they are way too expensive, and a smaller shop with a good reputation will give you way better customer service.

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